Putting smiles on faces of indigent pupils

Despite the falling reading culture and economic hardship, an art-based non-governmental organisation, GreenHouse Arts Empowerment Centre (GHAEC) in Olambe, Ogun State, has bankrolled an empowerment project for primary and secondary schools pupils. It also awarded scholarships to some of the pupils. Evelyn OsagiE reports.

•GreenHouse gives out scholarship

For 14-year-old Adam Morufat, it was a day of fulfilment and she shed tears of joy. The tears flowed as she walked up to the podium to receive her prize.

Morufat, a Junior Secondary School III (JSS 3) pupil of Matogun Community High School, Matogun in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, came first in a competition that featured 18 other pupils.

She was the toast of many. It was too much for the teenager to handle. But, what prize could have drawn such emotion from a bold and outspoken teenager? It was one that came with full secondary school scholarship. Ironically, while the parents of other participants were at the ceremony, Morufat’s parents, Mr Talhat and Mujidat Adams, were not there; but they went with their blessing and support.

“My parents prayed for and encouraged me. Their words challenged and inspired me to win,” she said.

Evidently, she was overwhelmed, and so were her counterparts and guests at the GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre (GHAEC) inter-governmental schools’ essay competition.

But when Morufat entered for the art-based essay competition, she was not sure of what to expect. “People promised a lot of things but didn’t fulfil it. And I did not know that I would win. But I said to myself that I would put in my best to win.” And win she did; but she was not the only one who went home with a prize.

Oyeniran Ezekiel, a JSS 3 pupil of Ajuwon High School, the second place winner, went home with one year scholarship worth N120,000. The third place winner, a JSS 2 pupil of Olambe Community Comprehensive High School, Obadina Ayanfeoluwa, received one year scholarship worth N50,000.

Despite the state of the economy, GHAEC, is resolute in giving back to its community. From empowering children, youths, women, teachers and schools with skills and trainings, the centre, established in 2009 by Princess Theresa Iyase-Odozi, has taken its empowerment programmes to another level. This time, it awarded scholarships worth thousands of naira to children in government junior secondary schools in Olambe, Matogun, Akute and Ajuwon.

It was, a memorable occasion for the pupils, their families, principals, art teachers and community leaders at the grand finale of the competition, which was part of a four-day training and seminar.

The three winners, along with the 15 other participants showed promise for the future of art and Nigeria’s educational system. The children impressed the judges, who are experienced art teachers and scholars, and the audience. Each participant also went home with a gift.

According to Princess Iyase-Odozi, the event was in line with the objectives of promoting visual art education. The competition, she said, would be a yearly event. She said: “Our intention is to explore various ways in which the GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre can render genuine services to enhance the lives of the children/youths, who cannot afford the private school fees, but resort to attend government /community schools in Olambe, Matokgun, Akute, and Ajuwon. Beyond their tattered uniforms/clothes, I see hope in the eyes.

“Sometimes, out of curiosity, I randomly check their school bags and find them practically empty. When I go further to see what goes on in the schools, I realise the futile journey with the pupils merely carrying old torn books in their bags all around. As one of the centre objectives, we promote Nigeria art history and culture. We are there to continuously support the efforts of government.”

The event opened with an interactive session among the schools’ principals, art teachers, parents and community leaders, who addressed and interacted with the pupils and youths. They expressed their experiences on the grand finale, while praising the centre for its contribution to the development of education in the communities. The parents and teachers said it was a well-timed event that gave them an opportunity to learn, interact and expand their knowledge in the arts.

For Aremo Ramoni Akinola Ogunremi, the Otun Baale of Olambe Town, art is a core subject in the school’s curriculum, noting that it would help reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country. “Today, this programme is first of its kind, in the history of this community. Beneficiaries of its generator repair, soap, tie and head gear (gele) workshops, and catering services empowerment twice in a year, programmes for our youths, women, can never forget this centre. They have grown from being unemployed to self-and-paid-employed.

“Her contribution towards the development of Olambe town and its environs, had demonstrated her love for social well-being of a man-kind,” he said.

The Oganla of Olambe Kingdom, Chief Olaniyi Olowoyeye, said: “This establishment has helped to change the status of this community from a mere rural village to a big town in Ogun State through its constant exhibitions and life-saving programmes. You have not only helped to put Olambe in the world’s map with big cities, like Benin and Onikan.

“I commend the centre because of the timing of the programme which falls within the time when government, corporate bodies, and even prominent people cannot fulfil most of their financial obligations to others because of the economic meltdown witnessed and experienced by all concerned.”

GHAEC Chairman Mr Victor Odozi commended the traditional rulers for their cooperation, and the people for their support for the centre, saying the centre hoped to do more in future.

Odozi, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, said: “Our decision to relocate to Olambe and set up a permanent structure for driving our social contributions initiatives under the auspices of GHAEC is a matter of personal choice and we have no regrets about it. Indeed, since we settled here almost a decade ago, we have been well received and treated by our host community. All is well with us and we are here to stay for the long haul.’’